Natalie Shell

Natalie Neilands Gibson Shell, 85, of Great Falls, passed away on September 22, 2015.The only child of Anastacia Stacia and Virgil Uds Neilands, Natalie was born June 25, 1930, the 30th anniversary of The Battle of the Little Bighorn. She arrived at the newly built Colombus Hospital in Great Falls, Montana. Her mother passed away when she was just 7 leaving her to be raised by her grandmother, Stella Tuman and several loving aunts until her father remarried to her step-mother, Lillian.At 15, while listening to the jukebox at the Iceberg Cafe on Central Avenue West she met her 1st love, Claude Gibson who had just returned from World War II and was stationed at East Air Force Base now called Malmstrom. After dating for 1years they were married at a little cobbler's shoe shop in Belgrade, Montana, while visiting Claude's hometown. February 7, 1948 brought their son, Terry, into their lives. When Claude was released from service in 1948 they moved to Belgrade where their daughter, Claudia, was born in 1950. With little or no work available in the area Claude traveled to Seattle where he found a good job with Boeing, but during the trip to relocate his family, their car broke down in Great Falls where they both found jobs and settled in. Natalie's waitressing career began while in Belgrade and continued for the next 54 years in Great Falls. After raising their children Natalie and Claude divorced in 1969.While serving at Victor's Supper Club at the Great Falls International Airport, Natalie met her 2nd love, Harry Jack Shell. They were married in Idaho, 1971. Jack was employed with Northwestern Airlines and in 1973 they moved to Billings after a transfer, but due to health issues, Jack retired in 1978 and the move was made back to Great Falls. Even though Jack and Natalie were divorced, they remained together until his death in 1981.Not many people are fortunate enough to truly enjoy their careers as much as Natalie enjoyed serving her clients. At Dempsey's Inn, The Jack Club, Gordon's, Rendezvous Room, Petroleum Club (Billings), Victor's and finally on October 3, 1983 she began a 25 year employment with Eddie's Supper Club. She retired in 2008 at the age of 77.In January of this year Natalie suffered a severe stroke and heart attack. After months of hard work and the help of the dedicated rehab staff at Missouri River Rehab she was looking forward to a new location in an Assisted Living facility. A sudden illness took her life very quickly on September 22, 2015 at Benefis Hospital. She thought very affectionately of the dedicated staff and many residents at Missouri River Rehab. A sincere thank you for all their dedication.While Natalie relaxed, she crocheted. Her beautiful afghans will be cherished by her family and friends for many, many years. She loved and enjoyed her family and was extremely proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.Natalie was preceded in death by her parents and son, Terry Gibson.She is survived by her daughter, Claudia Steen; step-sisters, Claudia (William) Watts and Linda (Manuel) Austin; step-daughters; Carolyn, Deborah, Marlene, Ronda, and Rebecca; grandchildren Tammy (Brian) Doane, Scotty Steen, Stacie (Blaine) Nyberg, Stephanie (Mark) Moderie, Katie (Ed) Boley, and Kacie (Jhimye) Jones; great grandchildren; Courtney, Lily, Deven, Laine, Macie, Dawson, Ghrey, Finnley, Wyatt, Phiefer and baby Maya.Family and friends are welcome to the urn placement of her remains at 2:00 p.m., October 10 at Hillcrest Lawn Mausoleum, 1410 13th St. South, Great Falls, Montana with a reception following at the home of Claudia Steen, 1113 14th St. S.W.